The year 2012 was a melting pot of musical hits across various genres, from the catchy tunes of pop to the soulful rhythms of R&B, and the innovative sounds of electronic dance music. Artists left a significant mark on the charts, with some songs achieving international fame and becoming the anthems of that year. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit the top 10 songs of 2012 that had us tapping our feet and singing along at the top of our lungs.
#10: “Wild Ones” – Flo Rida featuring Sia
“Wild Ones” is a powerhouse collaboration between American rapper Flo Rida and Australian singer Sia. Sia’s distinctive vocals paired with Flo Rida’s catchy rap verses created an electrifying club track. The song easily found its way to party playlists, encouraging listeners to let go and dance wildly to the beat. This track was a worldwide hit, reinforcing Flo Rida’s presence on the Top 10 lists globally, and showcasing Sia’s vocal prowess to a broader audience.
#9: “Starships” – Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj’s “Starships” is a vibrant tune that blends pop with Eurodance. It’s a testament to Minaj’s versatility as an artist, seamlessly merging her rap skills with infectious singing. The song’s energetic beats and uplifting lyrics made it a summer favorite. With its shout-out-loud chorus, it’s no surprise that “Starships” took off to become one of the defining hits of 2012, propelling into every corner of the globe.
#8: “We Are Young” – Fun featuring Janelle Monáe
Making a significant impact with its release, “We Are Young” by the band Fun, featuring the amazing Janelle Monáe, became an anthem for youth everywhere. Its triumphant tone, coupled with lyrics that capture the essence of being carefree and resilient, struck a chord with many. This song is especially memorable for its soaring chorus, which dominated radio waves and earned the group numerous awards, including a Grammy for Song of the Year.
#7: “Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepsen
Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen hit the sweet spot of pop music lovers with her catchy, flirty tune, “Call Me Maybe.” The song quickly became a cultural phenomenon, complete with countless memes and lip-synching videos by fans and celebrities alike. Its playful lyrics and the earworm hook made “Call Me Maybe” not just a song, but a pop culture staple that virtually no one could escape in 2012.
#6: “One More Night” – Maroon 5
Maroon 5’s “One More Night” combined reggae-influenced beats with Adam Levine’s falsetto to create a track that is both melodic and rhythmic. The song was a magnet on the charts, where it held a lengthy reign. It tells the story of a turbulent relationship that, despite the odds, finds the couple coming back for ‘one more night.’ Its catchy composition garnered Maroon 5 continued commercial success.
#5: “Payphone” – Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa
Another hit from Maroon 5, “Payphone” features the distinct addition of rapper Wiz Khalifa. This pop ballad combined poignant lyrics of a love lost with a tunesome melody that resonated with many listeners. “Payphone” stood out for its relatability and clean pop sound and established itself as one of the standout tracks of the year.
#4: “Somebody That I Used to Know” – Gotye featuring Kimbra
“Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye, featuring New Zealand artist Kimbra, is a song that captivated listeners with its indie pop sensibilities and haunting lyrics about breakups and heartache. The song’s simple, xylophone-led arrangement complemented the powerful vocal interplay between the two artists. It was a refreshing deviation from the electronic-heavy chart-toppers, becoming an instant classic and a global sensation.
#3: “Diamonds” – Rihanna
Rihanna’s “Diamonds” is a midtempo pop and R&B ballad that shines bright in her discography. The song’s metaphor of diamonds in the sky parallels the beauty of enduring love. Its atmospheric production combined with Rihanna’s emotive vocals created a memorable and anthemic song that easily became one of the biggest hits of her career and the year.
#2: “Gangnam Style” – PSY
South Korean artist PSY exploded onto the international music scene with his viral sensation “Gangnam Style.” The song is an upbeat K-pop track with an unforgettable music video that features comedic dance moves and satirical lyrics about the lifestyle of people in Seoul’s Gangnam District. Not only did “Gangnam Style” break language barriers, but it also went on to become one of the most-viewed videos on YouTube ever, bringing K-pop into the global consciousness and earning its spot as one of 2012’s most iconic songs.
#1: “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele
Although released at the tail end of 2010, Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” continued its chart dominance well into 2012, making it one of the biggest songs of the year. With its powerful vocals and timeless soulful groove, the song transcended yearly boundaries and became a global anthem about overcoming a broken relationship. It showcased Adele’s prowess as a singer-songwriter and resonated deeply with listeners everywhere, securing its place as the top song of 2012.
While each year brings its own set of hits, the songs of 2012 proved to be particularly memorable, capturing the spirit of the times and leaving an indelible mark on our musical memories. These tracks not only climbed the charts but also defined a year of remarkable diversity and creativity in the music industry.